The Licensing Bill currently going through Parliament would scrap the concept of closing time and make European-style 24-hour drinking possible.

The new law would also change the way licences are provided for pubs, taking power from the traditional licensing magistrates and handing it to the local authority.

Pub licensees aren't convinced that government plans to bring in round-the-clock drinking will work in Coventry. But their customers are enthusiastic.

Ray Hoare, 59, chairman of the Midlands Licensed Victuallers' Association, and former landlord of the Greyhound at Sutton Stop, said: "The government seems to think it's what the public wants and we have to move with the times.

"But 24-hour drinking isn't likely in Coventry as there's not a suitable area where it wouldn't disrupt the local neighbourhood.

"Staggered closing times would allow taxis to deal with customers more efficiently though, and stop the problems that come from everyone tumbling out of clubs at 2am.

Mr Hoare added: "It will mean the end of separate licences for liquor and entertainment. Now there will be one licence to cover everything, given by the local authority."

Stephen Brown, 29, manager of The Varsity in Little Park Street, city centre, said: "It's hard enough getting staff to stay until 1am and you have to think about what clientele you're asking for if you stay open until 5am."

The Varsity's assistant manager Ian Wright, 23, said: "Round the clock opening wouldn't be good for business. In terms of rotas and deliveries it just wouldn't work on that basis."

Ken Brown, 60, owner of Browns cafe bar and restaurant in Earl Street, said: "It just isn't going to pay to have longer opening hours. The supermarkets have shown how businesses suffer because of it.

"It's binge drinking that needs to be sorted out. Cheap drinks encourage people to drink more than they should."